UPDATE: Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray is set to undergo surgery after suffering a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his left thumb during a preseason game against the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night. The Kings confirmed that Murray will be reevaluated in four to six weeks, sidelining him for at least the first 10 games of the regular season.
This injury comes at a crucial moment in Murray’s career, as he is eligible for a contract extension by the impending October 20 deadline. If an agreement cannot be reached, he faces the prospect of entering restricted free agency next summer, making this setback even more significant.
Throughout his first three seasons in the NBA, Murray has demonstrated remarkable durability, participating in 233 out of 246 games. However, this UCL tear marks the most serious injury he has encountered as a professional. The Kings were counting on him as their starting power forward in a season where they aim to contend for a playoff berth in the competitive Western Conference.
As a proven floor spacer with 543 career three-pointers to his name, Murray’s absence will be felt both offensively and defensively. He has evolved into a versatile defender, making his loss a significant blow for Sacramento as they look to establish momentum in the early part of the season.
In light of Murray’s injury, the Kings are likely to explore several options to fill the void. Veteran forward Dario Saric, guard Malik Monk, fourth-year guard Keon Ellis, and rookie Nique Clifford are all candidates to step into a starting role. The team is also expected to rely on established stars like Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Dennis Schroder as they navigate this challenging stretch without their key player.
The Kings’ front office and coaching staff will be closely monitoring Murray’s recovery as they prepare for the upcoming season. With the clock ticking on contract negotiations and the season fast approaching, all eyes will be on how this injury impacts both Murray’s future and the Kings’ playoff ambitions.
Stay tuned for more updates as this situation develops.